Mavericks are difficult to place in opening day power ranks

The Dallas Mavericks have one of the top five players in the world in Luka Doncic, which is enough to win 45 games and make the playoffs, but there are plenty of questions behind the 22-year-old superstar. Is his supporting cast good enough to help Dallas make a playoff run?

New head coach Jason Kidd brings about another set of questions. The Hall of Fame point guard flamed out in Brooklyn and Milwaukee, but what impact will he have on the Mavericks? Early returns suggest the coaching change has the team energized and excited, but that was only preseason.

Multiple sites released their first power rankings of the regular season on Oct. 19, and the Mavs placement lacked consistency. Let us take a closer at where they landed.

Dallas Mavericks have a wide range in opening day power rankings

NBA.com was highest on the Mavericks placing them sixth in their power rankings based on Dallas taking a step forward this season. ESPN had the Mavs tenth and CBS Sports agreed. The Athletic was the lowest (subscription required) on the Mavericks placing them 12th.

There is a massive gap between sixth and 12th in the league. Dallas is fourth in the Western Conference in NBA.com’s rankings and sixth in The Athletic’s. That is the difference between having homecourt and likely being the favorite in the first round and not. So why such a wide gap on the Mavs?

Luka Doncic is going to be fantastic, but what does the rest of the team look like this season? Can Kristaps Porzingis return to his All-Star form? The Dallas Mavericks could be on the highest risers in the power rankings if they get off to a hot start, but the team will be focused on playoff success. Stay tuned for what could turn out to be a special season in Dallas.